Cultivating Connections SCI Social Capital Inc.

In this episode of Cultivating Connections, host David Crowley engages in a lively conversation with Gail O’Rourke, a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind the innovative mobile application, Benefact4. 
Drawing from her rich entrepreneurial journey in cabinetmaking and construction, Gail shares insights into her transition into the tech industry and the inspiration behind Benefact4. With a deep commitment to philanthropy and a passion for bringing people together, Gail describes how Benefact4 serves as a powerful tool for tracking and viewing the collective impact of volunteer work. Through real-time updates and a social component, the app fosters a sense of community and highlights the value of each contribution of time and money.
 

In episode 5 of the Cultivating Connections podcast from SCI, host David Crowley talks with Ayele Shakur, President of the Redstone Family Foundation.
Ayele talks about how she centers relationship building in her work. Throughout her career,  she has focused on helping young people develop the social capital they need to flourish in school and beyond. Ayele also describes how she prioritizes intentional relationship building in her work to develop partnerships to support young people and address issues of racism and antisemitism.
We also learn in this way how a friend encouraged her to try teaching, launching a career in education. Tune into the episode to learn what Ayele initially planned to do after graduation from Boston University, and about what she has learned in her journey to ignite the potential of youth from underserved communities.
 

In this Cultivating Connections podcast episode, guest Guy Ben-Aharon joins host David Crowley to discuss the mission and unique approach of "The Jar," an organization fostering connections among diverse Bostonians through shared cultural experiences. The jar's unique Convener Model™ model, encourages participants to bring diverse groups together to share art, food, and conversation. 
Guy emphasizes the importance of intentional relationship-building and creating inclusive spaces, aiming to combat segregation often found in cultural institutions. He shares stories of transformative experiences and invites listeners to engage in upcoming events to take personal actions toward positive change in their communities.
 

This episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast features Dr. Michael Curry, Esq. interviewed by host David Crowley. Michael is the President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding history and the context of societal disparities. He discusses the critical role of community health centers, which originated from the civil rights movement, in providing accessible and culturally competent care. He also delves into the Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity, highlighting the urgency of addressing health disparities and advocating for policy changes. Throughout the conversation, Michael stresses the significance of self-education, consciousness, and active participation in driving meaningful change in society.
Through his words, Michael inspires listeners to become informed, engaged citizens who actively work towards promoting health equity and social justice in their communities.

In this episode of the SCI Cultivating Connections podcast, host David Crowley welcomes Nora Moreno Cargie, President of the Point32 Health Foundation and Vice President of Corporate Citizenship for Point32 Health. 
Nora brings extensive experience in nonprofit and philanthropic work to the conversation. They delve into Nora's background and pivotal moments in her career, particularly her realization about the importance of community-based insights versus external directives from funders. Nora emphasizes the need for funders to be proximate to the work and to honor community knowledge. The conversation explores the essence of creating great places for people to grow up and grow old, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, engagement, and listening in community-centered initiatives. 
Nora shares insights on challenges and opportunities in philanthropy, advocating for humility, active listening, and building bridges that facilitate two-way communication. Through their discussion, Nora underscores the value of authentic storytelling and the significance of recognizing shared humanity amidst diverse experiences.
This episode was produced by Leah Mulrenan and Sierra Dearns.
 

SCI team members David Crowley and Leah Mulrenan discuss the Cultivating Connections Podcast and what listeners can expect from this new show from SCI Social Capital Inc.! This episode describes the show format and the reasons why SCI is launching this podcast.